Sometimes getting the attention of a recruiter with your CV requires a few tweaks, in other instances an entire rewrite is required. Careers coaches have told us of their exasperation with financial services professionals who have stuck with the same resume format since university and merely added experience and skills in the meantime.
To give you an idea about the sort of irrelevance still lurking on the CVs of often experienced financial services professionals, we’ve compiled a list of ‘skills’ from resumes that have been sent to the eFinancialCareers editorial team. Some are questionable, some are ancient and irrelevant, some are full of largesse while others are downright bizarre. We don’t advise featuring them on your CV.
“Typing on a computer.”
“Have good human communication skills.”
“Talented user of Microsoft Office Suite such as word and others.”
“Leadership skills: Dynamic, motivator, team-builder, confidence-booster, energetic, capable, outward-looking, accountable, visionary.”
“Helped students to develop themselves by exploring about themselves and their skills using workshops that were developed by me.”
“Basic administration of Windows 95, 2000 and XP.”
“Prepare and send electronic mail messages.”
“Excellent experience in using the internet.”
“Technology skills: Popular computer software.”
“Bearing the pressure of work.”
“Good communication and flexibility skills.”
“Honest and trust worthy, reliable, willing and able to show up on time.”
“Drive for results.”
“The ability to deal with the public by creating good.”
“Excellent ability to deal with any changing or emotional situations.”
“Keyboarding: 35 words a minute.”
“Good looking.”